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Quick picks
- Best all-roundDeWalt DCF887
- Most refinedMakita DTD172
- Most powerMilwaukee M18 FID3
- Most versatileBosch Professional GDX 18V-200
An impact driver sinks long screws all day without wrecking your wrist. It's usually the second power tool you buy, so the right one is normally whichever matches the batteries you already have.
What to look for
- Stay on one platform. Match your drill's batteries. Body-only drivers are much cheaper than kits.
- Brushless. Runs cooler and lasts longer under daily use. Worth paying for.
- Speed modes. Lower settings stop you snapping small screws or chewing up soft timber.
- Hex bits, not sockets. Impact drivers take 1/4" hex bits. Impact wrenches (square drive) are for nuts and bolts.
- Size and weight. A compact head gets into joists and cupboards. You'll notice the weight overhead.
Side by side
| Pick | Platform | Motor | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCF887 | DeWalt 18V XR | Brushless | All-round site use | ££ |
| Makita DTD172 | Makita 18V LXT | Brushless | Second fix and fine work | ££ |
| Milwaukee M18 FID3 | Milwaukee M18 | Brushless | Heavy fixings | £££ |
| Bosch Professional GDX 18V-200 | Bosch Professional 18V | Brushless | Screws and bolts | ££ |
DeWalt DCF887
18V XR · brushless · 3 speeds
Compact, punchy and on one of the biggest battery ranges going. Three speed settings cover everything from cabinet screws to coach screws.
Good
- Three speed settings
- Huge DeWalt 18V range
- Widely available on deal
Not so good
- Gets loud, so wear ear defenders
- Not the most powerful here
Makita DTD172
18V LXT · brushless · multiple modes
Smooth, well balanced and packed with modes, including assist settings that help screws start without camming out.
Good
- Lots of speed and assist modes
- Comfortable for long days
- Massive LXT range
Not so good
- More modes than most people use
- Costs a bit more than basic models
Milwaukee M18 FID3
M18 FUEL · brushless
Built for heavy work like structural screws and big fixings. Overkill for most first-years, ideal for experienced pros on Milwaukee.
Good
- Serious power
- Tough build
Not so good
- Pricier
- Heavier than compact models
Bosch Professional GDX 18V-200
Bosch Professional 18V · brushless · bit and socket holder
Takes both hex bits and square-drive sockets, so it doubles as a light impact wrench. Handy if you also do fixings into steel or anchor bolts.
Good
- Bits and sockets in one tool
- Solid Bosch build
Not so good
- Smaller range than DeWalt or Makita
- Check it's the blue Professional line
Quick answers
Do I need an impact driver if I have a combi drill?
Not on day one. A combi drives screws too, just slower and harder on your wrist. Add an impact driver once you're doing a lot of fixing.
Impact driver or impact wrench?
Impact driver for screws (hex bits). Impact wrench for nuts and bolts (square drive).
Can I drill with an impact driver?
Light drilling with hex-shank bits, yes. For proper holes and masonry, use your combi drill.
Kit or body only?
Body only if you already have batteries on the same platform. It's the cheapest way to add tools.
Verdict
Buy the one that matches your batteries. Starting fresh, the DeWalt DCF887 is the safe all-rounder.